MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama series ‘The Grand Princess of the 21st Century’ has sparked mixed reactions online since its first broadcast.
On April 12, posts about the drama flooded an online community, with viewers trading opinions on its premise, the cast’s performances and a well-known streamer’s review.
Some viewers said the show’s world-building is hard to accept. One commenter wrote that it makes little sense for the female lead — described as a second-generation conglomerate heir — to be called “lowborn” and looked down on as a commoner and illegitimate child. “Rather than feeling sorry for her, I first think, ‘So what?’” the commenter said. The same post also questioned other character setups, including a second male lead portrayed as a hereditary prime minister who collects supercars, and a male lead who is the king’s son but “has nothing.”
Others alleged the series borrows heavily from Japan. Another commenter said it looks like Japan’s imperial system and political structure were “Koreanized,” pointing to similarities in the military system, the constitutional monarchy setting and the class structure. The commenter also criticized the idea of a specific family inheriting the prime minister’s post, saying it resembles Japanese political culture and feels out of place in a drama set in Korea.
Assessments of the acting were also divided. On X, some viewers praised Gong Seung-yeon, who plays the queen dowager, saying her delivery and tone fit a historical drama and that her performance draws viewers into the character.
But some criticized Byeon Woo-seok, who plays the male lead, saying his voice and expressions feel monotonous and that his emotions do not come through strongly.
A review by content commentator “Dangun,” an esports caster, also drew attention. In a live broadcast, he lowered the drama’s grade from B to C before adjusting it back to B. “The world-building is interesting, but the characters aren’t convincing,” he said, adding that the conflict structure among key figures and the plot development need more explanation.
Ratings, however, started strong. Nielsen Korea said Episode 2, aired April 11, posted 9.5% nationwide and 10.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking No. 1 in its time slot. Its 20-49 rating was 5.3%, the highest among all Saturday programs, and its peak minute reached 11.1%.
The series has opened with solid viewership, but debate over its premise and performances is expected to continue as the story unfolds.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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